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Cajun Chicken Pasta

Cajun Chicken Pasta
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Cajun Chicken Pasta is a rich, creamy, and spicy dish featuring tender chicken seasoned with bold Cajun spices, tossed with pasta in a luscious sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this flavorful and comforting recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and easily customizable to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

Spices and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (paprika, garlic, cayenne, herbs blend)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
  • 1 bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Oils

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips, dice the onion, and cut bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves so they’re ready for sautéing.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water for the sauce.
  3. Season and Sauté the Chicken: Toss chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  4. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook until tender and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, scraping any browned bits left from chicken for extra flavor.
  5. Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low, pour in heavy cream, and stir in Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently until slightly thickened, stirring often to prevent sticking. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  6. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time for desired sauce consistency. Warm through and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use freshly mixed Cajun seasoning for the best flavor punch.
  • Don’t overcook the chicken; cook just until opaque to keep it juicy.
  • Reserve some pasta water to help the sauce cling to the pasta perfectly.
  • Simmer the cream sauce gently on low heat to avoid curdling.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning before serving for optimal flavor balance.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, spicy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, quick Cajun recipe

Find it online: https://withnora.com/cajun-chicken-pasta/